San Francisco Employment Attorneys

As California employment lawyers, workplace law is what we do. We help people treated unfairly at work — women experiencing sexual harassment or job discrimination, workers victimized by unlawful pay practices, and employees blowing the whistle on illegal conduct. We also advise employees on their legal rights, and counsel employers on how to comply with the law and implement proper employment law practices. We fight every day to make a discrimination-free workplace a reality.

Your Right to a Non-Discriminatory Workplace

Despite some progress, large swaths of working Americans experience job discrimination or unlawful employment practices in the workplace. For example, according to recent surveys, more than 30 percent of women report experiencing discrimination or sexual harassment at work. No one should have to endure discrimination or harassment to provide for their family. You have the right to equal opportunity in the workplace, regardless of your age, sex, disability, race, or religious beliefs. You also deserve to be paid lawfully, including the right to equal pay regardless of your race or gender and the right to overtime pay as the law requires. If you have suffered discrimination in the workplace, or been fired for exposing an illegal practice at your company, or been denied your legal right to overtime, breaks, or family leave, we understand the stress and anxiety that you are likely experiencing.

At Rukin Hyland, it’s our job to make sure that you can do your job, free from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and unlawful pay practices.

We have the breadth of experience to handle the most important employment law case—yours.

Rukin Hyland attorneys recovered over $1.5 million in wages, penalties, damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs in an action filed against Mini-Stor Ventures, LLC, Egan Properties, Inc., Michael Egan, and Rafael Convalescent Hospital on behalf of three former employees of a rental storage unit business, who asserted claims for sexual harassment, failure to prevent sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Plaintiffs also asserted wage and hour claims based on Defendants’ failure to pay overtime wages, failure to provide meal and rest periods, failure to provide itemized wage statements, waiting time penalties, and unlawful business practices. After resolving plaintiffs’ wage claims, Rukin Hyland attorneys continued to aggressively litigate plaintiffs’ sexual harassment and retaliation claims, ultimately reaching a successful resolution of their claims on the day before trial was scheduled to begin. For additional media coverage of the case, click here.

Rukin Hyland attorneys recovered over $1.5 million in wages, penalties, damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs in an action filed against Mini-Stor Ventures, LLC, Egan Properties, Inc., Michael Egan, and Rafael Convalescent Hospital on behalf of three former employees of a rental storage unit business, who asserted claims for sexual harassment, failure to prevent sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Plaintiffs also asserted wage and hour claims based on Defendants’ failure to pay overtime wages, failure to provide meal and rest periods, failure to provide itemized wage statements, waiting time penalties, and unlawful business practices. After resolving plaintiffs’ wage claims, Rukin Hyland attorneys continued to aggressively litigate plaintiffs’ sexual harassment and retaliation claims, ultimately reaching a successful resolution of their claims on the day before trial was scheduled to begin. For additional media coverage of the case, click here.

$12Million

Independent Contractor Misclassification

Rukin Hyland attorneys, together with co-counsel, reached a $12 million settlement on behalf of SuperShuttle drivers who worked for the company between May 8, 2004 and June 12, 2014. Plaintiffs claimed that SuperShuttle misclassified van operators as “franchisees” or “independent contractors,” when they should have been “employees” and brought claims for unpaid minimum wage and overtime, reimbursement of expenses, repayment for coerced purchases, plus interest, penalties, liquidated damages, and other related remedies, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. Lawyers at our firm litigated the case for almost six years before reaching the successful settlement on behalf of the class.

Rukin Hyland attorneys, together with co-counsel, reached a $12 million settlement on behalf of SuperShuttle drivers who worked for the company between May 8, 2004 and June 12, 2014. Plaintiffs claimed that SuperShuttle misclassified van operators as “franchisees” or “independent contractors,” when they should have been “employees” and brought claims for unpaid minimum wage and overtime, reimbursement of expenses, repayment for coerced purchases, plus interest, penalties, liquidated damages, and other related remedies, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. Lawyers at our firm litigated the case for almost six years before reaching the successful settlement on behalf of the class.

$4.9Million

Unpaid Wages and Missed Breaks

On February 6, 2014, Rukin Hyland filed a class and collective action lawsuit in the Northern District of California against Farmers Insurance Exchange on behalf of a proposed class of current and former Personal Lines Claims Adjusters (“PLCAs”) who worked for Farmers in California. The complaint alleges that Farmers’ policies and practices (including, for example, the volume of work assigned and Farmers’ performance metrics) lead to PLCAs working off the clock–i.e. working without pay–before and after their scheduled shifts and during their meal and rest breaks. After the hearing on Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification in early 2017, Farmers paid $4.9 million to resolve this class and collective action lawsuit.

On February 6, 2014, Rukin Hyland filed a class and collective action lawsuit in the Northern District of California against Farmers Insurance Exchange on behalf of a proposed class of current and former Personal Lines Claims Adjusters (“PLCAs”) who worked for Farmers in California. The complaint alleges that Farmers’ policies and practices (including, for example, the volume of work assigned and Farmers’ performance metrics) lead to PLCAs working off the clock–i.e. working without pay–before and after their scheduled shifts and during their meal and rest breaks. After the hearing on Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification in early 2017, Farmers paid $4.9 million to resolve this class and collective action lawsuit.

Legal Guidance for Businesses and Start-ups

The attorneys at Rukin Hyland provide a full suite of services to our business clients, including: advice and counseling workplace training; preparation of policies; and representation in litigation.

At Rukin Hyland, you can expect the meticulous attention to detail and exceptional work quality of a large law firm, with the personal focus and individualized care and treatment that only a smaller firm can offer.

Put More than 50 Years of Legal Experience Behind You

It can be difficult for an individual to force a company to abide by the law and treat workers fairly, lawfully, and with the respect they deserve. An experienced and committed California employment lawyer working on your behalf can help level the playing field. At Rukin Hyland, our attorneys have a reputation for effective, compassionate, and results-oriented legal advocacy. We provide tenacious and proactive representation to individual employees and classes of workers in the San Francisco Bay area, throughout California, and nationwide.

Large Firm Expertise with Small Firm Personalized Attention to Your Case

We listen and work closely with you to plan a legal strategy that fits your needs. Are you an employee who has experienced sexual harassment, discrimination, unpaid wages, or any other unlawful treatment on the job? Are you a professional who is negotiating a separation agreement or an employment contract? Or are you a business or a start-up needing guidance in a full range of matters pertaining to employment policy and compliance? Maybe you are involved in a dispute requiring mediation or litigation. Whatever your employment-related matter, the lawyers at Rukin Hyland have the focus, experience, and commitment to provide you with the guidance and advocacy you need. Call Rukin Hyland today to learn how we can help.

Fill out the form below to schedule a consultation. Our office is on Pine St. between Battery St. and Front St. in the Financial District. We’re just a block away from the BART and Muni stops at Embarcadero.